Crimes happen all the time, and police work diligently to investigate criminal allegations and bring the perpetrators to justice. However, their focus on finding someone to blame can lead to incorrect accusations. For example, there are many questions to be answered after an alleged home invasion in Chicago apparently led to two deaths and left two people charged with murder.
Police claim that an 18-year-old female, 20-year-old male and 24-year-old male unlawfully entered the home of a 36-year-old male. They believe that the youngest and oldest males became involved in an altercation, leading to both suffering stab wounds. The homeowner was discovered by police during a wellness check, but he had already passed away.
The youngest male died soon afterward at a hospital. Although police were initially told that he was stabbed when someone attempted to rob him, police claim they determined this story to be false. It is unclear what led them to that conclusion. The two other people police believe participated in the home invasion now face two charges of first degree murder and a charge related to the alleged home invasion.
In all criminal cases, the accused have a number of specific rights. Perhaps first and foremost, there is a presumption of innocence, and prosecutors must provide sufficient evidence to prove that the defendants are guilty beyond reasonable doubt before any conviction is possible. It is unclear at this time what evidence the police and Chicago prosecutors have to prove that these two young people should be charged with murder and/or home invasion. To ensure that their rights are preserved throughout the criminal process and that they pursue the best possible outcome, the accused will likely want to seek out guidance from those with experience regarding criminal defense under Illinois law.
Source: CBS News, “Two charged in fatal Chicago home invasion, report says“, , Sept. 8, 2014